Youth from the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska created the Ponca Pantry to help elders. Photo from Facebook

Twelve young members of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska will attend the first-ever White House Tribal Youth Gathering next week.

The youth accepted the Generation Indigenous challenge and created the Ponca Pantry, WOWT reported. They are collecting food, clothing and other items to distribute to elders, the station said.

The conference takes place July 9 at Renaissance Downtown Hotel near the White House. Over 600 youth from all corners of Indian Country are expected to attend the historic event.

YouTube: President Obama Addresses the 2015 Gathering Of Nations Powwow

"We want young leaders to share their stories with our country and to have opportunities to turn their talent and passion into strong leadership for the future of tribal nations and of America," President Barack Obama said in a message delivered via video during the Gathering of Nations powwow in New Mexico in April.

Get the Story:
Youth From Ponca Tribe Of Nebraska To Attend White House Event (WOWT 6/30)

Related Stories:
Students from Oglala Sioux Tribe get close with First Lady Obama (6/4)
Native youth help First Lady Obama harvest White House garden (6/2)
Deadline extended for White House Tribal Youth Gathering (05/11)
President Obama invites Native youth to White House on July 9 (04/27)
Mark Trahant: Invest in our Native youth for long-term success (04/24)
Opinion: First Lady brings truth with remarks about Native youth (04/23)
White House Blog: Improving the lives of Native American youth (04/22)
First Lady Obama speaks to Native youth at White House session (04/08)
First Lady Obama to deliver remarks at Native youth meeting (04/03)
White House Blog: Launching the Gen-I Tribal Leader Challenge (3/12)
Interview: Interior Secretary Sally Jewell on Native youth focus (03/11)
Jodi Gillette: Administration making progress in Indian Country (03/02)
President Obama makes Native youth a priority in administration (12/04)
White House to host first-ever Tribal Youth Gathering next year (12/03)
White House Fact Sheet: Sixth annual Tribal Nations Conference (12/3)
White House invites youth to DC for Tribal Nations Conference (11/26)
Obamas welcome youth from Standing Rock Sioux Tribe to DC (11/21)
Native Sun News: Oglala Sioux youth to join White House meet (11/21)